The latest Luis Valbuena MLB and fantasy baseball news

Houston Astros 3B Matt Dominguez is expected to see some playing time at first base this season, as a result of the team's recent acquisition of 3B Luis Valbuena. Manager A.J. Hinch still views Dominguez as a third baseman in the long run but wants him to learn how to play first base in order to increase his versatility and improve his odds of making the 25-man roster.

Chicago Cubs manager Rick Renteria said he will continue to mix and match 3Bs Luis Valbuena and Mike Olt at third base, with Olt facing more left-handers. Olt leads all National League rookies with eight home runs, but he's hitting only .187 and has 32 strikeouts in 91 at-bats. Renteria said there will be a day when Olt receives more regular playing time, though.

Fantasy Tip: Olt is a nice source of power, but his inconsistent playing time and low batting average hurts too much in mixed leagues. For now, consider Olt a nice power product in NL-only leagues.

Chicago Cubs 3B Luis Valbuena is another candidate to hit in the leadoff spot this year after he set the tone with a long at-bat in the leadoff spot Tuesday, April 22. "His on-base percentage has been extremely high, especially against right-handed pitching," manager Rick Renteria said of Valbuena, who has a .420 on-base percentage against right-handed pitchers. "Yesterday, I think he set the tone. He fouled off a lot of pitches and got on base." 2B Emilio Bonifacio and OF Junior Lake have also been used at leadoff.